Cook the books is a term used to describe fraudulent accounting practices that are used in order to manipulate a company's reported financial results. These practices are sometimes referred to as creative accounting and can be used to give the false impression that a company is doing better than it actually is. The result of such practices is that a company is able to deceive investors or creditors into believing that it is in a better financial position than it actually is.

Cooking the books involves making changes to a company's books that are not in compliance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). This includes creating fake or inaccurate entries, misclassifying expenses or revenue, and misrepresenting liabilities or assets. Such practices are illegal and if a company is caught doing them, it can face harsh penalties, including financial sanctions or jail time for the perpetrators.

Cooking the books is a serious problem for corporate governance as it can lead to a number of serious issues, such as financial losses, bribery, and insider trading. The effects of cooking the books can be felt beyond the immediate company, as it can undermine trust in the stock market as a whole. As such, it is crucial that companies use proper accounting methods to ensure accuracy and reliability in their reported financial results.

In order to protect against fraudulent practices such as cook the books, businesses must be diligent in their internal processes. This includes implementing sound accounting principles and ensuring that employees are properly trained on the correct accounting methods. Companies should also have a system of checks and balances to remain vigilant against false entries, along with an internal audit system to investigate any suspicious activity. By creating a culture of total transparency, companies can help protect against fraudulent practices and promote investor confidence.